Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XIX
Written by Abd Rahman Jabir MOHD DIN, Rosnani HASHAM, A. Rafidah MOHD YUNOS, Alina WAGIRAN, Mohamad Roji SARMIDI
Biotechnology and agriculture based sectors have been identified as important drivers of economic development in the State of Johor. These sectors are regarded as the new-wave of wealth creation and economic activity characterized by high economic value addition. The progress of biotechnology development is in the state of Johor is highlighted in this report. In addition the study provides a robust strategic direction and action plan for creating a strong biotechnology ecosystem. This study used stakeholders based approach to investigate public perception on application of agricultural biotechnology and stakeholder interest in Malaysia particularly in State of Johor. The results suggested that agriculture based industries strongly believed the creation of vibrant biotechnology ecosystem is needed to jump-start the biotechnology industry. Moreover, most of the companies are looking forward for new technology to improve their business by reducing their operating cost and increasing their productivity. Instead, they claimed the state government should reclaim stewardship of the industry and proactively synergise with the current players to place Johor as the leading biotechnology state in Malaysia. The paper mentioned that state of Johor has become a leader in prospering biotechnology and bioeconomy activities while Iskandar Malaysia, most developed region in Southern Peninsular Malaysia that is expected to act as a prime growth catalyst and complement Johor's overall economic contribution to the Malaysian economy constitutes 45.6% of the Johor population and half of total employment. Biotechnology awareness need to be revitalized to a new level through encouraging the adoption of biotechnology innovation and establishing a synergistic framework for acceleration of agro based industrial development towards sustainable market driven, commercially oriented and environmentally friendly.
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Agricultural biotechnology awareness
